What can I use to hide a chain link fence?

Hiding or disguising a chain link fence can help improve the look of your yard or property. Chain link fences are affordable and functional, but they aren’t always the most visually appealing. There are several options for making a chain link fence blend in better with its surroundings or be less conspicuous.

Why Hide a Chain Link Fence?

There are a few main reasons you may want to hide or disguise a chain link fence:

• Improve curb appeal – Chain link fences can look industrial and detract from your home’s curb appeal. Hiding or disguising the fence can help your property look more polished.
• Increase privacy – The open gaps in chain link fences don’t provide much privacy. Adding screening can help block views and create a greater sense of seclusion.
• Soften hardscapes – Chain link has a very hard, linear look. Hiding or disguising the fence helps soften the visual impact and makes the landscape look less severe.
• Blend in with nature – Covering a chain link fence with greenery allows it to better blend in with natural surroundings rather than stand out.
• Meet HOA rules – Some homeowners associations prohibit chain link fences or have rules about screening them. Hiding the fence may be required.

Even if you can’t remove an existing chain link fence, there are affordable ways to help it better complement your landscape and blend into the background.

Plants to Hide a Chain Link Fence

One of the easiest ways to hide or disguise a chain link fence is by growing vines, shrubs, or trees along it. Foliage can act as a green screen to visually break up the rigid, linear fence. Some good plant options include:

Vines

• Virginia Creeper – Fast growing deciduous vine that produces red fall color.
• Trumpet Vine – Clinging vine with bright orange trumpet-shaped blooms in summer.
• Clematis – Woody vines with beautifully colored flowers of white, purple, red or pink.
• Honeysuckle – Fragrant vines that bloom in summer and attract hummingbirds.
• Grape Vines – Climbing fruit vines with bold summer foliage and edible grapes.
• Climbing Roses – Vining roses that produce colorful clusters of flowers during summer.

Shrubs

• Arborvitae – Evergreen shrubs that grow quickly to form tall, narrow screens.
• Bamboo – Dense tropical shrubs that form a wall of foliage and block views.
• Barberry – Spiny foliage and bright red berries on these medium shrubs.
• Boxwood – Classic hedge shrub that takes pruning well to form dense screens.
• Eleagnus – Evergreen shrub with silvery foliage that grows quickly in full sun.
• Holly – Hardy evergreen shrub available with glossy or variegated leaves.

Trees

• Arborvitae – Tall evergreen tree varieties that form narrow screens.
• Cypress – Conical evergreen trees that retain foliage year-round.
• Douglas Fir – Large pyramidal evergreens with soft blue-green needles.
• Spruce – Densely branched evergreens that hold up to shearing.
• Yew – Upright evergreen tree options work well for screens and hedges.

Choose plants suited for your climate and site conditions. Focus on fast growing varieties that tolerate pruning and shearing well. Plant them closely along the fence line to create a lush, filled-in look.

Adding Privacy Slats to Chain Link Fence

Another way to disguise a chain link fence is by installing vinyl, wood, or metal privacy slats. These are long, narrow strips attached to the fence to block visibility.

Benefits

• Very effective for increasing privacy and blocking views.
• Neat, finished look when installed correctly.
• Won’t damage the fence like plantings that get overgrown.
• Lower maintenance than plant options.
• Affordable and easy DIY installation.

Drawbacks

• Can look cluttered if spacing or installation is off.
• Offers less natural appeal than plant coverings.
• Can become loose or saggy over time.
• May not comply with HOA rules.

Materials

• PVC/Vinyl – Low maintenance plastic; won’t rot or warp. Fade-resistant.
• Wood – Cedar and redwood have natural beauty but require more upkeep.
• Aluminum – Lightweight, durable, and long-lasting but has an industrial look.

Measure slat spacing based on the fence mesh size. For maximum privacy, overlap slats to block visibility. Use durable outdoor screws to attach slats firmly into fence posts and cross-wires.

Covering Chain Link Fence with Windscreen

Windscreen fabric (also called privacy mesh) is an affordable option for covering chain link fences. The woven material blocks views while allowing air circulation.

Benefits

• Lightweight and easy to install.
• Won’t damage the fence.
• Lets air and light through.
• Variety of colors available.
• Very effective for privacy on a budget.

Drawbacks

• Can sag over time without proper support.
• Less durable than solid materials.
• Darker colors fade faster in sunlight.
• Not as polished looking as slats or plantings.

Use UV treated fabric rated for outdoor use. Secure tightly to the fence using zip ties, avoiding wrinkles and gaps. Install top to bottom so upper edges overlap lower ones to encourage proper water drainage.

Adding Lattice to Chain Link Fences

Lattice transforms chain link into an attractive wall that defines an outdoor space while filtering views. It adds architectural interest through crisscrossing strips of wood or plastic.

Benefits

• Light can filter through for an open, semi-private feel.
• Comes in attractive natural wood or composite materials.
• Can be topped with vines to enhance beauty and screening.
• Provides a strong framework for plantings to grow on.
• Affordable and easy to install.

Drawbacks

• Offers less privacy than slats or solid panels.
• Not as durable as vinyl or metal lattice.
• Can warp or come loose if not properly attached.

Use weather-resistant cassette lattice panels, nailed or screwed firmly into fence posts for secure long-term attachment. Consider growing vines through the lattice to further improve screening.

Chain Link Fence Screening with Tarps

For a quick, inexpensive way to cover chain link fencing, consider heavy duty solid tarps. These provide complete privacy screening, though they lack visual appeal.

Benefits

• Immediate privacy solution.
• Very affordable option.
• Easy to install and remove.
• Comes in a range of solid colors.
• Can cover gates, posts, and barbed wire strands.

Drawbacks

• Not durable for long-term use.
• Can look messy if not installed properly.
• Adds no beauty to the landscape.

Use heavy duty canvas or vinyl tarps with grommets for attachment. Secure tightly to prevent sagging using zip ties, leaving no gaps. Check frequently for tearing.

Chain Link Fence Panels for Privacy

For maximum privacy, install new fence panels right over the existing chain link. Options include:

• PVC/Vinyl – No maintenance plastic fencing that looks like wood.
• Composite – Blends recycled plastic and wood fibers for a sustainable choice.
• Aluminum – Lightweight yet strong metal fencing.
• Steel – Powder coated for a wrought iron look.
• Wood – Cedar and redwood panels offer natural beauty.

Overlay panels are attached to the chain link fence using brackets, providing an attractive, opaque barrier. This completely transforms the look while hiding the original fence.

Benefits

• Total privacy and aesthetics upgrade.
• Wide choice of durable, low maintenance materials.
• Can mimic styles from classic picket to modern metal.
• Leaves original fence intact if needed later.

Drawbacks

• Very expensive compared to other options.
• Installation is complicated, often requiring professional help.
• May not improve appearances from both sides.

Consider overlay panels when you need complete privacy screening and want a permanent, built-in solution. Hiring a fencing contractor is recommended for proper installation.

Conclusion

Chain link fences provide security, but they can be an eyesore. A variety of screening solutions are available to help hides or disguise these fences. Fast-growing vines and climbing plants offer natural appeal in warmer climates. Privacy slats, lattice, windscreen and tarps effectively block views at a lower cost. For the highest privacy and best aesthetics, installing new vinyl, composite, metal or wood fence panels over the chain link is worth the investment. With the right solution, you can transform a lackluster chain link fence into an asset that complements your landscape.